{
  "id": 329385,
  "title": "Paediatrician makes vaccine call over summer flu",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/paediatrician-makes-vaccine-call-over-summer-flu-329385",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-08T04:56:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTHK News",
    "slug": "rthk-news",
    "url": "https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1865456-20260808.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dr Mike Kwan, president of the Asian Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases, is urging people to get vaccinated against flu, as cases continue to rise over the summer. New viruses often emerge during summer holidays, posing a concern as other regions also experience flu outbreaks. If individuals return from these areas and bring the virus back to Hong Kong, complications could arise if population immunity is insufficient. Despite students being out of school during the summer, many still engage in group activities, facilitating the spread of the flu. Following the tragic death of a seven-year-old boy from influenza A complications, despite vaccination, Kwan emphasized that severe immune reactions can lead to severe consequences. He hoped the case would not undermine public trust in vaccines, clarifying that the boy had been vaccinated previously and his antibodies may have diminished over time.",
  "summary": "An infectious diseases expert is calling on people to get vaccinated against flu, as cases here continue to rise over the summer. Dr Mike Kwan, president of the Asian Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases, said this especially applied to vulnerable groups. Speaking after a radio programme, he said new viruses often appear during the summer holidays. \"Indeed it is a worry because other places…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "RTHK English",
        "title": "Paediatrician makes vaccine call over summer flu",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/paediatrician-makes-vaccine-call-over-summer-flu",
        "published": "2026-08-08T04:56:01.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}